Illinois hospitals

Illinois lawmakers and the state's hospitals have reached a tentative agreement on a new method of spreading billions of dollars in federal Medicaid money to hospitals across the state.

But some of Illinois' 22 so-called "safety net" hospitals that serve a high volume of Medicaid patients could lose money under the new program. That's prompting concerns hospitals may have to cut services, lay off staff or even close.

Rockford-based Swedish American Health System has announced layoffs and job position eliminations to stay in the black, citing potential reductions to reimbursement rates under the state's Medicaid program.